Privately held fast-casual concept Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers increased its total unit count by 30 percent (ending 2014 with 135 restaurants), made its debut in six new states, welcomed eight new franchise groups, and promoted two key corporate employees.
Freddy’s opened 31 new restaurants in 2014—three corporately owned locations in the Kansas City metro market, and 28 additional locations in various states around the U.S., including debuts in Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In 2013, the company opened 21 new restaurants.
“Never did we imagine this much growth when we opened our first store in 2002,” says Bill Simon, CEO and President of Freddy’s. “There weren’t plans to expand the concept beyond that first location. All of us in what we refer to as ‘the Freddy’s Family’ feel so complimented as Freddy’s continues to counter trends in the industry with mature restaurant sales growth. This statistic, coupled with the booming expansion on the horizon, has spurred franchise interest around the country. We’ll continue to navigate our growth carefully and considerately, to keep our infrastructure ahead of the expansion. We are ever grateful for the loyalty of our wonderful guests, our award-winning and unwavering franchisees, and the finest vendors in the industry.”
Freddy’s announced in December at its 2014 franchise conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, that eight new franchise groups have signed agreements bringing the total number of restaurant development options to 678, scheduled to open over the next 10–15 years. For 2015, Freddy’s is on track to open approximately 45 new restaurants, with debuts in Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, and Ohio, in addition to opening restaurants in new markets within the states in which the company currently operates.
“We treat our franchise conference as a time to listen and exchange ideas,” Simon says. “We take time to reiterate our appreciation of the hard work our franchise community exudes on a daily basis, and we welcome new franchisees to the Freddy’s Family. We also unveil new and exciting marketing initiatives, progress in streamlining our purchasing program, and advancements in the employee training and development department. Exploring innovative ways to advance in these areas is key in the growth of the Freddy’s concept.”
In preparation for its 2015 growth, Freddy’s recently promoted purchasing director Jon Simon to vice president of purchasing and training director Ben Hesse to vice president of training. Simon will work to streamline the purchasing process while expanding purchasing options, and he will also manage the supply chain logistics and economics. Hesse will continue to enhance the current training program and oversee the implementation of innovative training technology.
